Comments on: Writers: Are you taking care of yourself?

By: Sarah Hamer

Sarah Hamer — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:41:52 +0000

In reply to Denise. Thank you, Denise!

By: Sarah Hamer

Sarah Hamer — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:41:29 +0000

In reply to Jenny Hansen. Good for you, Jenny! "Beating" any disease is a huge win!

By: Sarah Hamer

Sarah Hamer — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:40:34 +0000

In reply to Lynette M Burrows. Lynette, it IS a busy month, getting ready to get even busier for most of us in December. I'm so glad you're taking care of yourself!

By: Sarah Hamer

Sarah Hamer — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:39:07 +0000

In reply to SAM TURNER, M.Ed.. Sam, I certainly understand the years of teaching! And, I'm glad you're taking care of yourself. Best wishes! Sally

By: Sarah Hamer

Sarah Hamer — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:37:24 +0000

In reply to Julia. Thank you, Julia! It's SO important that we take care of ourselves!

By: Denise

Denise — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 03:58:27 +0000

great reminders.

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 03:08:20 +0000

All three of these got a workout this year as I fought cancer (and won!). The physical side of life got the most attention in 2023. It will be nice to add more focus to those other areas of care in 2024. 🙂

By: Lynette M Burrows

Lynette M Burrows — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 13:35:56 +0000

Yes. All three of the "parts" of us need attention. I thought I was doing this poorly until your post led me to break down what I'm down. I was isolated in all three parts by circumstances beyond my control including the pandemic for a long time. I can't express how that slowly beat me down. Fortunately, I have friends (writing and others) who kept reaching out to me. Now I make a point of making at least one connection each week. Sometimes that's a lunch out with a friend, sometimes it's a phone call, and other times it's a zoom call. It's amazing how much my mood is affected when I miss one of those connections. I'm taking care of my physical side by doing yard work and remodeling my house. I also bought a sit-stand desk. That's been life changing. As for spiritual, I'm a long-term journal writer. I can't recommend journaling enough. In general, I feel 100 times better than I did a couple of years ago. I guess I'm doing pretty well these day. Thank you for reminding me of all this during a very busy month.

By: SAM TURNER, M.Ed.

SAM TURNER, M.Ed. — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 13:32:57 +0000

You, dear Teacher, are right on target! I was diagnosed in 2018 with Parkinson's. I thought I needed a new keyboard because the letters K, R,and N were sticking. Turns out it wasn't the keyboard; it was my fingers! I attend the Davis Phinney Foundation and the American Parkinson Foundation vertual group meetings regularly. What a releaf! Yes. I switch to dictation when needed. (I taught Middle School for 35 years, which might explain the tremor!) Teaching was a 35-year VACATION of JOY!

By: Julia

Julia — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 09:25:17 +0000

All good advice, Sally. My writers' critique group has been a lifesaver for me. I wouldn't have improved so much as a writer without them, and might not be still writing at all. And the other kinds of self care you mention are important, too.